Kampala, Uganda | Sunday, July 6, 2025 — President Yoweri Museveni has strongly condemned what he described as the “disorderly conduct” of some Balaalo pastoralists operating in Northern, Northwestern, and Eastern Uganda. In a detailed statement released on Sunday, the President outlined a string of violations that have stirred tensions among local communities, including destruction of crops, illegal land occupation, and obstruction of access to public resources like rivers.
Central to the President’s concerns is “okwonesa”—a local term describing the practice of cattle grazing on other people’s crops. Museveni labelled this practice unpatriotic and a threat to national unity, pointing out that it results from the movement of cattle into areas without proper fencing or permanent water sources, forcing herders to trespass during dry seasons.“Crops do not kwonesa other crops,” the President emphasized, contrasting the passive nature of crop farming with the disruptive effects of unmanaged pastoralism.He further accused some Balaalo of fencing land recklessly, thereby blocking access to community roads and natural resources such as the River Nile. In some cases, he said, the pastoralists have even occupied government ranches illegally, undermining state-run livestock breeding programs.
Museveni questioned the legality of cattle movement by the Balaalo, demanding that local authorities thoroughly vet both the origin and destination of livestock before issuing movement permits.
He said permits must consider factors such as disease control, water availability, fencing, and the potential for agricultural damage.He also dismissed claims that his executive actions are tribalistic, stressing that his directives target lawbreakers, not ethnic groups.
“These orders are against illegal and irrational actors,” he said, citing examples of non-natives like Adyeeri, a Munyoro fruit farmer in Nwoya District, who has coexisted peacefully with local communities.
Touching on land ownership, Museveni warned that even those Balaalo who legally acquired land do not have the right to destroy crops or hinder access to public property. He stressed that the legal acquisition of land—particularly communal land—must be scrutinized to prevent fraudulent sales or leases.
The President also raised concern over reports that some Balaalo are protected by armed relatives in the army, making it difficult for locals to enforce customary justice systems like fining for crop destruction or detaining stray cattle.
This, he said, justifies his intervention through executive orders.Museveni concluded his statement by reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding local livelihoods, land rights, and the rule of law.
“It is such arrogance and lawlessness that requires the intervention of the President through an Executive Order,” Museveni declared.
The statement comes amid growing public outcry in the north, where community leaders have repeatedly raised alarm over land grabbing, destruction of livelihoods, and rising ethnic tensions caused by itinerant herders.
